Success factors of Nordic manufacturing companies – Manufacturing for the future

Issue of study: To be a well performing company over time, profitability and growth are considered the key strategic value drivers. Swedish and Finnish manufacturing companies are using different strategies to handle this challenge and some are performing better than others. In a world of globalization it is essential for the companies to remain competitive. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify strategies indicating why some companies within the manufacturing industry in Sweden and Finland are performing better than others. Method: A multiple case study of a number of manufacturing Swedish and Finnish manufacturing companies has been made. The study has been conducted through four hypotheses, created from a theoretical framework. The gathered data that has been analyzed has been formed through qualitative interviews. Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that two strategies are more focused on in the better performing companies. These factors are; focus on profitability ahead of growth and focus on core competencies